Upturn Arts
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Upturn Arts focuses on providing arts education, particularly in dance and music, aimed at fostering self-expression, creativity, and self-love in children. The program is generally praised for its quality artistic instruction and positive impact on personal development. While some parents report many scholarships are available, there are significant concerns regarding the financial aid application process and the conduct of the director.
Key Highlights
- ✓Offers wonderful arts education, specifically in dancing and music.
- ✓Teaches children to express their inner self and embrace their creative side.
- ✓Fosters self-love and confidence in participants.
- ✓Many scholarships are reportedly available to support access to the programs.
Standout Features
- ⭐Strong emphasis on engaging arts education (dance, music).
- ⭐Curriculum designed to promote self-expression and creativity.
- ⭐Positive reinforcement to help children 'love who they are'.
- ⭐Reported availability of scholarships for families needing financial assistance.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Thoroughly inquire about the financial aid application process and confirm individual eligibility, as experiences with scholarship availability can vary.
- →If diversity, inclusion, or specific accommodations for children with special needs are priorities, consider discussing these directly with program staff or administration before enrollment.
- →Be prepared for potential administrative challenges or unsatisfactory interactions, as one parent reported a very negative experience with the director.
Things to Consider
- ⚠One parent reported being denied financial aid, despite applying early.
- ⚠The director, Dana, was described by one parent as 'nasty and rude' and 'sounded very racist' during a phone interaction.
- ⚠Concerns about a lack of perceived diversity and an unwelcoming environment were raised by a single mother of color with a child with autism.
- ⚠The financial aid process can be a point of friction and disappointment for some families.
Price & Value
The program provides 'wonderful arts education' which is highly valued by positive reviewers. While 'many scholarships available' are mentioned, one parent was denied financial aid, indicating that accessibility might not be universal or the process can be challenging. The value of the program's content appears high, but the administrative experience regarding cost can be inconsistent.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •One parent with a son who has autism sought a diverse setting but encountered a negative experience with the director and financial aid denial. No specific positive accommodations for special needs were mentioned in the reviews; only a reported negative interaction concerning a child with autism.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families who are highly sensitive to administrative issues or concerned about perceived biases (based on the reported experience with Director Dana).
- • Parents expecting guaranteed financial aid without careful verification, as one family reported a denial despite positive claims about scholarships.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Teen Leadership Program
$200Duration: October 17, 2025 – May 15, 2026
Program for interested 13-17 year olds to transition into staff support and vital liaisons representing the young artist experience. Includes leadership skills, emotional intelligence and awareness training, and exclusive arts programming. Teens receive stipends when working as summer camp staff support and have opportunities to plan/host teen event nights and/or curate experiences for young artists. Completion of training program is required to qualify for summer work program.
Includes:
- •Leadership skills training
- •Emotional intelligence and awareness training
- •Exclusive arts programming
- •Stipends for summer camp staff support
- •Opportunity to plan and host teen event nights
- •Opportunity to curate experiences for young artists
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Appetite for Art Gala 2025
Thursday, November 13th, 2025, 5:30-9:30 pm
Not specified (implied ticketed event)
Upturn Arts’ Annual Appetite for Art Gala presented by Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, an enchanting evening of creativity and celebration. Location: Capulet (3014 Dauphine St.)
Teen Leadership Program
October 17, 2025 – May 15, 2026
$200 (financial aid available)
A program for teens aged 13-17 focused on developing leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and arts programming. Located at Fur Bebe Cafe, 4826 Magazine Street. Applications for Year 1 & 2 teens due by September 22. Program teens announced by October 1.
🍎Food Policy
- • Nourishment is provided as part of emotional safety and inclusivity initiatives (no specific meal plan or requirements mentioned for campers to bring food).
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Provides emotional safety, nourishment, emergency preparedness, and inclusivity.
- • Focuses on skill-building, active engagement, encouragement, and conflict resolution.
- • Strives to produce a sense of belonging, collaboration, and strong youth-adult relationships.
- • Teaching staff are professional working artists in New Orleans, trained in a methodology to encourage creativity in a positive, supportive environment.
- • Models kind and respectful behavior, holds staff accountable, and expects the community to foster a healthy and safe environment.
📅Booking Policy
- • All camp registrations require a 25% deposit.
- • For full details regarding registration, payment plans, and other policies, refer to the Family Handbook.
- • Families unable to attend a full session of camp can fill out a drop-in request form for a spot.
Recent Reviews
Darnisha Harvey
10 months agoMy child was so looking forward to attending camp I applied ahead of time for financial aid and was denied! The director Dana was nasty and rude on the phone with me and sounded very racist. My son has autism and I’m a single mother of color and I was looking for a diverse setting to bring my child in unfortunately It didn’t go that way. I am very disappointed because I have heard nothing but good things of this program this was a big let down!
Maya Hernandez
7 years agoUpturn Arts is where I learn to express my inner self in dancing and going to the follow with the music
Carrie MacKay
3 years agoGreat camps providing wonderful arts education with many scholarships available
Barbara Frabbiele
7 years agoThey teach the kids to love who they are and to embrace there creative side
Brandon Lennert
a year agoNo review text available